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9780314202529

The Litigation Paralegal: A Systems Approach

by
  • ISBN13:

    9780314202529

  • ISBN10:

    0314202528

  • Edition: 3rd
  • Format: Paperback
  • Copyright: 1997-03-07
  • Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning
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Summary

Takes a task-oriented (competency-based) approach throughout, walking students through each state of pre-trial preparation and trial. Students draft documents based on hypothetical law suit and can build an optional detailed systems manual containing forms, documents, and checklists. Thoroughly updated throughout to reflect the most recent changes in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on Service of Process and Discovery. Also includes updated information on technology to include the most recent applications, software, and Internet resources. The text emphasizes the student's state practice in addition to federal practice. In the Third Edition, these pedagogical features are found at the end of the chapters for ease of use:

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 WELCOME TO THE LAW OFFICE
1(38)
I. Introduction
2(3)
A. Case I
2(1)
B. Case II
2(1)
C. Case III
3(1)
D. Case IV
4(1)
E. Case V
5(1)
II. Office Manual
5(2)
III. The Paralegal Handbook: Office Orientation
7(14)
A. Structure and Personnel
7(2)
B. Important Law Office Procedures
9(4)
C. Techniques for Thriving in the Law Office
13(2)
D. The Training Procedure
15(1)
E. Ethical and Other Professional Responsibilities
16(3)
F. Your Professional Development
19(2)
IV. The Court Systems
21(13)
A. Introduction
21(1)
B. Basic Components of a Court System
21(1)
C. Jurisdiction
22(1)
D. Federal Courts and Their Jurisdiction
23(4)
E. State Courts and Their Jurisdiction
27(1)
F. Venue
27(3)
G. Choosing a Court: The Relationship between Jurisdiction and Venue, and Other Considerations
30(4)
H. Transfer of Cases
34(1)
V. A Case Roadmap
34(1)
VI. Concluding Comments
35(4)
CHAPTER 2 THE INITIAL INTERVIEW
39(35)
I. Introduction
40(1)
II. The Interview Plan
40(25)
A. Interview Plan Checklist
40(1)
B. The Interview Plan in Detail
41(24)
III. The Interview
65(4)
A. The Introduction
65(1)
B. Questions on Circumstances of the Accident
66(1)
C. The Issue of Comparative or Contributory Negligence
67(1)
D. The Extent of Injury and Sensitive Inquiry
67(1)
E. Dealing with Difficult Clients
68(1)
F. Concluding the Interview
68(1)
G. Confirming the Statute of Limitations
68(1)
IV. Summarizing the Interview
69(2)
V. Keeping the Client Informed
71(3)
CHAPTER 3 EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATION
74(56)
I. Introduction
75(1)
II. The Relationship of Evidence Law to Investigation
75(9)
A. Introduction
75(1)
B. Evidence in General
75(1)
C. Admissible Evidence
76(1)
D. Inadmissibility of Some Types of Relevant Evidence
76(2)
E. Privileges
78(1)
F. Evidence Admissible from a Party
79(1)
G. Rules Regarding the Testimony of a Witness
79(3)
H. Rules Regarding Physical Evidence and Authentication
82(1)
I. Other Evidentiary Concepts
83(1)
J. Sources for Evidentiary Research
84(1)
III. Planning the Investigation
84(10)
A. Introduction
84(1)
B. Review the File and Other Available Information
85(1)
C. Identify the Essential Elements of Proof
85(1)
D. Identify What Facts Will Be Needed
85(1)
E. Determine What Sources, Including Witnesses, May Provide Facts
85(6)
F. Methods for Gathering Information or Evidence
91(1)
G. Record the Investigation Plan
92(1)
H. Consult with the Supervising Attorney
92(2)
IV. Ethical and Related Considerations
94(1)
A. Ethics
94(1)
B. Attorney's Work Product (Trial Preparation Materials)
95(1)
C. Revealing Information to a Witness
95(1)
V. Gathering the Evidence
95(21)
A. Introduction
95(1)
B. Gathering Reports, Records, and Other Documents
96(5)
C. Investigating the Scene of the Accident
101(3)
D. Acquiring the Statements of Witnesses
104(12)
VI. Preserving Evidence
116(9)
A. Identification
116(3)
B. Physical Evidence
119(1)
C. Control and Retrieval
120(1)
D. Storage
121(1)
E. Testing and Examination
122(1)
F. Surveillance and Activity Checks
122(1)
G. Demonstrative Evidence
122(2)
H. Preserving Recorded Statements
124(1)
VII. Reviewing the Informal Investigation
125(1)
VIII. Summary
125(5)
CHAPTER 4 DRAFTING THE COMPLAINT
130(36)
I. Introduction
131(2)
A. The Task: Draft a Complaint
131(1)
B. Definition and Purpose
131(1)
C. An Example
131(2)
II. The Complaint in Detail
133(21)
A. Caption
133(4)
B. The Body of the Complaint
137(7)
C. Remedies and the Prayer for Relief (Demand for Judgment)
144(2)
D. A Brief Guide to Causes of Action and Remedies
146(5)
E. Separate Counts
151(1)
F. Demand for Jury Trial
152(1)
G. Subscription
153(1)
H. Verification
153(1)
III. Exhibits and Appendixes
154(1)
IV. System Checklist for Drafting a Complaint
155(2)
A. Preparation
155(1)
B. Drafting
155(2)
V. Sample Complaints
157(5)
VI. Injunctions
162(2)
VII. Summary
164(2)
CHAPTER 5 FILING THE LAWSUIT, SERVICE OF PROCESS, AND OBTAINING A DEFAULT JUDGMENT
166(28)
I. Introduction
167(1)
A. The Tasks: Filing the Lawsuit, Serving the Summons Obtaining a Default Judgment
167(1)
B. Purpose of the Tasks
167(1)
II. Preparing Documents for Filing an Action and for Service of Process
167(11)
A. Determine What Documents Are Needed
167(1)
B. Gather and Prepare the Documents Necessary for Filing and Service
168(8)
C. Obtain the Check for the Filing Fees
176(2)
III. Filing the Lawsuit
178(1)
IV. Service of Process
178(1)
V. Reference Guide and Checklist for Methods of Service
178(6)
A. Service on Individuals in a State or in a Judicial District of the United States
178(2)
B. Service on Individuals in a Foreign Country
180(1)
C. Service on Corporations and Associations
180(1)
D. Service on the United States
180(1)
E. Service on a Foreign, State, or Local Government
181(1)
F. Service Outside the Geographical Boundaries of the State or Federal District Court/Long-Arm Statutes
181(1)
G. Service in In Rem and Quasi In Rem Cases
182(1)
H. Immunity from Service of Process
182(1)
I. Locating "Invisible" Defendants
182(1)
J. Other Service of Process
183(1)
K. Filing and Service of Pleadings and Papers Subsequent to the Complaint
184(1)
L. Keep Good Records of Service
184(1)
VI. Obtaining a Default Judgment
184(5)
A. Introduction
184(1)
B. The Procedure and Necessary Forms
184(3)
C. Default and Multiple Defendants
187(1)
D. Checklist for Default Judgment
188(1)
E. Setting Aside a Default Judgment
189(1)
VII. Summary
189(5)
CHAPTER 6 DEFENDING AND TESTING THE LAWSUIT: MOTIONS, ANSWERS, AND OTHER RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS
194(50)
I. Introduction
195(1)
II. Motions in General
195(1)
A. Introduction
195(1)
B. Purpose
195(1)
C. Requirements and Components of the Motion
195(1)
D. Procedure: Filing, Service, and Time Limits
196(1)
III. Motion to Dismiss
196(10)
A. Task
196(1)
B. Purpose
196(1)
C. Determining What to Attack
197(1)
D. Drafting the Documents
198(4)
E. Other Motions to Dismiss
202(1)
F. Other Motions Attacking the Complaint
202(2)
G. Ethics Reminder
204(1)
H. Response to Motions
205(1)
IV. Removal of State Action to Federal Court
206(2)
A. Task
206(1)
B. Purpose
206(1)
C. Cases That May Be Removed
206(1)
D. Procedure
207(1)
V. Computation of Time
208(1)
VI. Drafting the Answer, Counterclaim, and Cross-Claim
209(15)
A. Task
209(1)
B. General Requirements
210(1)
C. Structure of the Answer
210(6)
D. Sample Answer, Counterclaim, and Cross-Claim
216(8)
VII. Third-Party Practice
224(3)
A. Introduction
224(1)
B. Task
224(1)
C. Purpose
224(1)
D. Procedure
225(2)
VIII. Amending and Supplementing the Pleadings
227(2)
A. Purpose
227(1)
B. Procedure
227(2)
IX. Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
229(1)
A. Task
229(1)
B. Purpose
229(1)
X. Motion for Summary Judgment
230(2)
A. Task
230(1)
B. Purpose
230(1)
C. Procedure
230(1)
XI. Keeping a Pleading Record
232(1)
XII. Pleadings, Motions, and Time Limits
233(6)
XIII. Summary
239(5)
CHAPTER 7 DISCOVERY: OVERVIEW AND INTERROGATORIES
244(40)
I. Overview of Discovery
245(7)
A. Introduction
245(1)
B. Purpose of Discovery
245(1)
C. Mandatory Disclosure
246(2)
D. Scope of Discovery
248(1)
E. Parties' Planning Meeting
249(1)
F. Supplementing Disclosure and Discovery
250(1)
G. Ethical Considerations for Discovery and Disclosure
251(1)
II. Interrogatories
252(22)
A. Task
252(1)
B. Purpose of Interrogatories
253(1)
C. Procedure
253(1)
D. Planning Interrogatories
254(4)
E. Drafting Interrogatories
258(5)
F. Drafting Techniques
263(9)
G. Concluding Material, Final Preparation, and Service of Interrogatories
272(2)
III. Answering Interrogatories
274(5)
A. Note Deadline, Review Case File
274(1)
B. Review Possible Objections
274(1)
C. Review Questions
275(1)
D. Gather and Record Information
275(2)
E. Review Techniques for Answering Interrogatories
277(1)
F. Draft Answers and Have Them Reviewed, Signed, and Served
278(1)
G. Update Answers
278(1)
IV. Analyzing the Answer and Compelling a Response
279(1)
V. Summary
280(4)
CHAPTER 8 DISCOVERY: DEPOSITIONS
284(43)
I. Depositions
285(28)
A. Introduction
285(1)
B. Scope and Limits of the Deposition
285(1)
C. Types of Depositions
286(1)
D. Procedure
286(1)
E. Preliminary Tasks
287(1)
F. Coordinate the Deposition
287(6)
G. Prepare for Deposition
293(18)
H. Attend and Review the Deposition
311(2)
II. Digesting Depositions and Other Documents
313(11)
A. Introduction and Definition
313(1)
B. Purposes for Digesting Depositions
313(1)
C. Techniques for Digesting Depositions
313(2)
D. Types of Deposition Digests and Indexes
315(3)
E. Digest Aids for Complex Cases
318(1)
F. Automated Deposition Summaries
319(5)
III. Summary
324(3)
CHAPTER 9 DISCOVERY: DOCUMENT PRODUCTION AND CONTROL, MEDICAL EXAMS, ADMISSIONS, AND COMPELLING DISCOVERY
327(48)
I. Introduction
328(1)
II. Production of Documents and Things and Entry upon Land for Inspection and Other Purposes
328(5)
A. Introduction
328(1)
B. Scope
328(1)
C. Procedure
329(1)
D. Reviewing for Production and Inspection
329(1)
E. Drafting the Request for Production and Inspection
330(1)
F. Service of the Request for Production
331(2)
III. Preparing for Production of Documents and Things
333(13)
A. Introduction
333(1)
B. Procedure
334(6)
C. Document Production and Computers
340(6)
IV. Production Procedure
346(3)
A. Replying to a Request for Production and Inspection
346(1)
B. Assisting at the Production, Examination, or Inspection
347(1)
C. Analyzing Documents Produced by the Opponent
348(1)
V. Request for Physical and Mental Examination
349(3)
A. Purpose and Scope
349(1)
B. Procedure
349(1)
C. Set up the Exam
349(1)
D. Draft the Documents
350(1)
E. Inform the Client
350(1)
F. Request the Report
351(1)
VI. Reviewing and Interpreting Medical Records and Other Technical Documents and Reports
352(4)
A. Introduction
352(1)
B. Medical Record Interpretation
352(4)
VII. Request for Admission (Rule 36)
356(4)
A. Purpose and Scope
356(1)
B. Procedure
356(1)
C. Preparing the Request for Admission
357(2)
D. Responding to a Request for Admission
359(1)
E. Review of and Reply to Response
359(1)
F. Amending Responses
359(1)
VIII. Objections, Compelling Discovery, and Sanctions
360(5)
A. Objecting to Discovery: Protective Orders
360(1)
B. Compelling Discovery
361(1)
C. Motion, Order, and Sanctions
361(1)
D. Procedure for Compelling Discovery
362(3)
IX. The Freedom of Information Act
365(1)
A. Definition and Purpose
365(1)
B. Procedure and Limits
366(1)
C. The Role of the Paralegal
366(1)
X. Organizing Files
366(5)
A. Introduction
366(2)
B. Small Case File
368(1)
C. Large Case file
369(2)
XI. Summary
371(4)
CHAPTER 10 SETTLEMENT AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS
375(48)
I. Introduction
376(1)
II. Settlement
376(27)
A. Introduction
376(1)
B. Preparing for Settlement
377(8)
C. Presenting the Settlement Request
385(13)
D. Role of the Defendant's or Insurance Company's Paralegal
398(1)
E. Preparing for the Pretrial Conference
399(4)
F. Settlement Conference
403(1)
II. Settlement Forms
403(6)
A. Releases and Settlement Agreements
403(3)
B. Stipulation and Order for Dismissal
406(1)
C. Consent Decree and Order
406(1)
D. Settlement Distribution Statement
407(2)
III. Other Alternative Dispute Resolutions: Arbitration, Mediation, and Summary Trials
409(11)
A. Introduction
409(1)
B. Arbitration
410(6)
C. Mediation
416(3)
D. Early Case Assessment
419(1)
E. Summary Jury Trial
419(1)
F. Role of the Paralegal in Alternative Dispute Resolution
419(1)
IV. Summary
420(3)
CHAPTER 11 TRIAL PREPARATION AND TRIAL
423(30)
I. Trial Preparation
424(21)
A. Introduction and Trial Preparation Checklist
424(1)
B. Preliminary Trial Preparation Tasks
425(2)
C. Subpoena Witnesses
427(2)
D. Jury Investigation
429(3)
E. Preparing Demonstrative Evidence
432(3)
F. Trial Notebook
435(7)
G. Preparing the Client and Witness for Testifying at Trial
442(3)
H. Additional Preparation
445(1)
II. Assistance at Trial
445(6)
A. Introduction
445(1)
B. Jury Selection
446(1)
C. Shadow Jury
447(1)
D. Witness Control
448(1)
E. Documents and Exhibits
448(1)
F. Exhibit and Witness Logs
449(1)
G. Trial Notes
449(1)
H. Trial Day Review Meetings
449(1)
I. When the Paralegal Must Testify
449(1)
J. Polling the Jury
450(1)
K. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
450(1)
III. Summary
451(2)
CHAPTER 12 POST-TRIAL PRACTICE FROM MOTIONS TO APPEAL
453
I. Introduction
454(1)
II. Post-Trial Motions
454(2)
III. Judgment and Bill of Costs
456(3)
IV. Enforcement of the Judgment
459(20)
A. Introduction
459(1)
B. Locating the Assets of the Judgment Debtor
460(13)
C. Obtaining the Assets of the Judgment Debtor
473(6)
V. Appeal
479(11)
A. Introduction
479(1)
B. Appellate Procedure
480(4)
C. Assisting in the Appeal
484(6)
V. Summary
490
Appendix A System Folder Contents A-1(4)
Appendix B The Substantive Law of Torts A-5(13)
Appendix C The Substantive Law of Contracts A-18(11)
Appendix D A Mini-Guide for Interpreting Medical Records A-29
Glossary G-1
Index I-1

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